Just three points separate these two teams in 2nd and 5th position, but, recent form considered, that’s where the similarities end. City have looked like two different teams at times this season and it’s pot luck which team will turn up, week in week out. Tottenham on the other hand are the form team in the league and could make it their seventh straight victory if they can take a win back to London.

It wasn’t always this way for City under Guardiola though. Ironically, it was against Spurs earlier in the season that things began to come unstuck. Prior to that game, City were top of the table, with 6 wins from their first 6 league games. However, a trip to Spurs saw them comfortably beaten, and was followed by just 3 wins from the next 8 games, including 2 defeats. Pep will be hoping for the reverse to happen this time then; that City can turn around their poor form in the match against Tottenham. But it will require a vast improvement from his players. The Citizens were thrashed 4-0 by Everton last week and if they repeat that performance, the scoreline could be even worse. Fernandinho and Gündogan’s absence means the holding midfield role will be a weakness, but other than this, Pep has most of his squad to choose from. City’s lineups have varied as much as their form, so it’s unsure just who will feature. A win would put City on level points with Spurs, at a crucial point in the race for the title.

Spurs are unbeaten since losing to Manchester United in early December. Since then, they’ve won their last 6 games and established themselves as genuine title contenders, after beating leaders Chelsea and closing the gap to just 7 points. It’s safe to say that they will go into this match supremely confident, though that does come with one large caveat, in the form of defender Jan Vertonghen being out with an ankle injury. The Belgium will be a huge loss at the centre of a Tottenham defence that is currently the best in the league. Recent history is on Tottenham’s side too though. Spurs have won the last 3 encounters between the side, including once already this season. Unless City improve from recent performances, it looks set to be four.

Team News

The deep holding midfield position is the current conundrum for City, as Ilkay Gündogan is out injured, Fernandinho is suspended and Fernando is also likely to miss out with an injury.

Vincent Kompany has recovered from injury, though it’s unlikely Pep will start the Belgium, who will be looking to improve his match fitness.

Jan Vertonghen looks set for an extended spell on the sidelines with an ankle injury. His absence could be a key loss for Spurs at the back.

Other than this, only Erik Lamela remains sidelined, meaning there are plenty of attacking options for Pochettino to choose from to target an underperforming City defence.

City slumped to their second loss in three games last week with a 4-0 thrashing by Everton. The Citizens now find themselves outside of the top 4 and struggling for form.

Totttenham on the other hand are the form team in the league currently. They also have the best defence in the league, though this could change in the coming weeks, with the loss of Jan Vertonghen likely to have a big effect on the resilience of their defence.

While the goals haven’t exactly been flowing, problems at the other end of the pitch are hindering City’s progress. Just 4 clean sheets all season is unlike a Guardiola team and with Tottenham in freescoring form, improving on this tally will be extremely difficult.

Spurs have won their last three league encounters with City, including once already this season with a 2 goal victory back in October last year.

Head to Head

Last 5 meetings between the two sides

Date

Competition

Game Result

First Goal-scorer

02/10/2016

Premier League

Spurs 2 – 0 Man City

Kolarov (OG) 9′

14/02/2016

Premier League

Man City 1 – 2 Spurs

Kane 53′

26/09/2015

Premier League

Spurs 4 – 1 Man City

De Bruyne 25′

03/05/2015

Premier League

Spurs 0 – 1 Man City

Agüero 29′

18/10/2014

Premier Leagye

Man City 4 – 1 Spurs

Agüero 13′

Conclusion & Betting Tips

While Tottenham are undoubtedly the form team coming into this match, the bookies see City’s home advantage as a huge advantage and are backing the Citizens as favourites. If the City of early in the season turn up, then the bookies could well be right. The problem is, it’s anyone’s guess which City team will show up, so backing them comes with risks. City’s home form is also not so hot, with more away than home wins this season.

Spurs on the other hand are consistently winning and if Davies proves suitable cover for Vertonghen, we see them being very diffiuclt to beat here. While Spurs offer great value for the win, City have lost just one home game all season. We see a draw as the likely outcome then, which you can get at prices as high as 12/5 at bet365. Alternatively, you could go for a Tottenham/Draw double chance at around 3/4.